These are obviously general tips. Individualized recommendations for your specific state of balance and imbalance can be given to you by an Ayurveda expert in your area.

Ghee: The Perfect Summer Cooking Oil

Although most oils increase Pitta, ghee (clarified butter) has the unique property of stimulating digestion and cooling Pitta at the same time. Ghee is a cherished in Ayurveda as a nutritional food for all body types. Ghee does not burn at high temperatures, so it works great as a cooking oil.

Sweet Lassi

Although yogurt is a sour food that you’ll want to avoid in summer, when blended with water and sweetener, it becomes a healthy, cooling drink called lassi. Try this recipe for delicious sweet lassi:

3 parts room-temperature, pure water

1 part freshly-made yogurt. (The fresher the yogure, the less Pitta it will have)

Raw sugar or honey or stevia to taste

Rose water to taste

Pinch of freshly ground cardamom powder

Pour ingredients into a blender and mix thoroughly

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a great thirst quencher that comes with a long list of health benefits. High in fiber, it aids in the prevention of indigestion. Coconut water contains five essential electrolytes present in the human body: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and sodium. This makes coconut water an excellent choice for rehydrating after exercise. Coconut’s amazing ability to rehydrate was recognized in WWII, where coconut water was actually used for blood transfusions in remote Pacific outposts.